Travellers are often turned away from GPs surgeries without being given a reason, according to MSPs.
Holyrood's Equal Opportunities Committee has highlighted gaps in access to health and social care services provided to travellers.
A committee report has found travellers are subject to racial discrimination that would not be tolerated if it was directed towards any other ethnic minority.
The committee quoted a survey that suggested over two-thirds of people would be unhappy if a relative formed a relationship with a traveller, compared with under 10% who feel the same about a relationship with a black or Asian person. Nearly a quarter claimed that travellers are unsuitable to be primary school teachers.
The committee said the terms "gypo", "tink" and "tinker" should not be used because they are derogatory and racist.
Reports that individuals have been turned away from what is supposed to be a free and universal healthcare system is one of the most alarming pieces of evidence the committee heard.
"GP surgeries are able to refuse people as patients without giving a reason," the report stated.
"This often happens to gypsy travellers. Sometimes, reasons are given, such as the applicant living on a site that straddles two practice catchment areas or not being able to prove when registering that they will remain in the area for long enough."
The Scottish Government said NHS Boards were responsible for providing primary medical services and for ensuring the services recognise cultural diversity and respond to the needs of all ethnic groups and communities.
A spokesman said: "There should be no barriers to travellers accessing or receiving health services and the GP registration regulations apply equally to members of the travelling and settled populations."
